Collision on the Tarmac: Trump's Boeing 757 Clashes with Corporate Jet
In a surprising turn of events, a Boeing 757 owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump was involved in a ground collision while taxiing at West Palm Beach International Airport on Sunday, May 12. The aircraft made contact with a parked corporate jet, leading to an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Details of the Ground Collision
The incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. local time when the winglet of Trump's jet brushed against the elevator assembly of an unoccupied business jet owned by VistaJet. This mishap took place in a section of the airport not directed by the FAA, emphasizing the complexities of ground navigation in busy airfields.
FAA's Involvement and Statements
The FAA promptly initiated an investigation into the collision, noting that it happened in an area where the agency does not control aircraft movement. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported on the ground, and it remains unconfirmed whether Donald Trump was on board his aircraft at the time of the incident.
Background of Trump's Boeing 757
Trump's Boeing 757-200, registered as N757AF, has a storied history. Originally manufactured in 1991 for Sterling Airlines, it changed hands several times before being acquired by Donald Trump in 2011. Known for its distinctive configuration, the aircraft accommodates 43 passengers, a sharp contrast to the standard commercial version that seats over 200. The jet, powered by two Rolls-Royce RB211 engines, was a staple in Trump's 2016 Presidential campaign but was stored during his presidency, only to be recommissioned and upgraded post-office in 2021.
Impact and Implications
While the full implications of the incident are still being assessed, the collision highlights the challenges of aircraft movement on the ground at busy airports. As the FAA continues its investigation, the aviation community and the public await further details on the potential ramifications for both involved aircraft.
